Practical
Plants

Anthyllis vulneraria

Kidney Vetch

a perennial member of the Anthyllis genus in the family Leguminosae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.15 m
Spread
0.6 m
Fertility
Bees, Lepidoptera
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Lepidoptera

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The dried flower heads are a tea substitute[8].

Product or use
Tea

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The roots leaves and flowers are antitussive, astringent, laxative and vulnerary[7][8][2][6]. This plant is an ancient remedy for skin eruptions, slow-healing wounds, minor wounds, cuts and bruises, it is applied externally[8]. Internally, it is used as a treatment for constipation and as a spring tonic[8]. The plant can be used fresh in the growing season, or harvested when in flower and dried for later use[8].

Product or use
Antitussive
Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Laxative
Product or use
Vulnerary

Environment

Range
Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to the Caucasus and N. Africa.
Habitat
Dry situations on sea cliffs, stony rocks and shingle, usually on shallow calcareous soils[8][2][4].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure, drought
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. If there is sufficient seed it can be sown outdoors in situ. Pre-soak the seed for about 12 hrs or scarify the seed[3]. It usually germinates in 1 -2 months at 10°c[3]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[5].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a sunny position[5] and an alkaline soil[7][2][4][6]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 8. Prefers a sandy loam[1][7]. Thrives in poor soils[5]. A rich food source for bees, butterflies and caterpillars[5]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[5].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn 1975-00-00 ISBN 0-600-33545-3

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  4. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  6. Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-553-23827-2

    ↩1↩2

  7. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

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